New highway code = driver confusion says Churchill Car Insurance

More than eight out of ten (84%) drivers are unaware that playing loud music in cars is against the new Highway Code safety rules

Almost two thirds (65%) of drivers admitted to eating while driving - this is against the new Highway Code safety rules.

Nearly half (47%) of adults say they would feel at risk if they were a passenger and the driver was wearing high heels but it's not outlawed in the Code Drivers safety bible, the Highway Code, was updated over three weeks ago.

But new research* by Churchill Car Insurance shows that 37% of drivers are unaware that changes have been made.

Many more admit to breaking the rules, exposing themselves to a possible fine or prosecution**.Code confusion.

Playing loud music is now against the rules, yet over half (53%) of drivers have unwittingly flouted the rules by turning up the volume behind the wheel.

Three in ten drivers (30%) think that driving in flip flops or high heels is forbidden, yet this is NOT the case.The top five behind-the-wheel sins of the road, that motorists admitted to, are:Changing CDs/cassettes/radio stations whilst driving (75%) Eating food (65%) Drinking (soft drinks) (59%)Not wearing sunglasses when sunny (58%) (not in the Highway Code)Playing loud music (53%)Abi Clark, spokesperson for Churchill Car Insurance, said: Drivers need to make sure that they know all the current rules of the Highway Code, otherwise they could find they are inadvertently breaking them.

Putting passengers in peril.

Some motorists undertake activities when driving which make their passengers feel not just nervous, but that their safety is at risk.

The respondents were asked to imagine they were a passenger in a vehicle; the driver actions most likely to put them on edge include:1.

Reading a map (77%) (against new Highway Code rules)2.

Arguing with other passengers/road users (65%)(against new Highway Code rules)3.

Having to keep a rowdy child passenger in check (61%) (not in the Highway Code)4.

Using or allowing passengers to use distracting toys/gadgets (56%)(against new Highway Code rules)= 5.

Driving in flip flops/high heels (47%) (not in the Highway Code) 5.

Changing CDs / cassettes / radio stations (47%) (against new Highway Code rules)Abi Clark continues: Drivers should not live by the Highway Code alone, but also use their common sense when driving.

Anything that distracts motorists from looking at the road, or prevents them from driving safely should be avoided at all costs so that accidents can be prevented.

Churchill has compiled a list of amendments and changes to the Highway Code, to view this guide please click on the link at the end of this release.

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